In a significant boost to India’s maritime trade infrastructure, V.O. Chidambaranar Port has crossed the 15 million tonne mark in cargo handling for the financial year 2025–26, as of August 3, 2025. This impressive feat comes 11 days ahead of the achievement in the previous financial year, signaling strong growth momentum.
The port has also witnessed a substantial rise in container traffic, having handled 2,98,107 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) up to August 3, marking a 9.75% growth over the 2,71,620 TEUs recorded during the same period last year.
Key commodities driving this surge include coal, limestone, salt, rock phosphate, edible oil, and construction materials. Increased export activity from major industrial hubs like Tirupur, Coimbatore, and Karur has also contributed significantly to the port’s container throughput.
A major boost to bulk cargo handling has come from the recent operationalization of North Cargo Berth-III, which was dedicated to the nation by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during a function held at Tuticorin on July 26, 2025. This new facility is expected to enhance the port’s capacity and efficiency further.
The VOC Port’s hinterland is undergoing rapid industrial transformation. Key upcoming projects include a man-made fibre factory by a Singapore-based firm, a footwear manufacturing facility from South Korea, and new investments in Defence and Space Technology startups. These developments are poised to significantly bolster the port’s cargo handling capabilities in the near future.
Commenting on the achievement, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOC Port, congratulated all stakeholders and trade partners for their unwavering support and continued contributions. He emphasized that such milestones reflect the collective commitment towards making VOC Port a pivotal player in India’s global trade ambitions.